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Press release: Rare diseases go beyond borders – so should research and treatment

28.02.2013

Rare diseases go beyond borders – so should research and treatment

28th February 2013 Today marks the sixth international Rare Disease Day® coordinated by EURORDIS and organised with rare disease national alliances in 24 European countries, as well as many other organisations from around the world. The theme of Rare Disease Day® 2013 is "Rare Diseases without Borders".

A rare disease is a life-threatening or chronically debilitating condition that affects no more than 5 in 10,000 people in the EU. Between 5,000 and 8,000 such diseases exist today. Although most of these rare diseases are genetic, serious, chronic and debilitating, patients and their families should not feel isolated by their condition. These diseases often affect people in similar ways. Reaching out across borders can help patients, families and carers find common solutions and remind them they are not alone.